Like all co-operatives, credit unions are guided by the Seven International Co-operative Principles (www.creditunion.mb.ca/about/index.htm), the seventh of which is Concern for Community.

Last year, credit unions across Canada demonstrated their concern for the communities they serve by contributing nearly $37.5 million to local community projects, as well as supporting their communities with money, services and time.

A survey conducted by Credit Union Central of Canada, the national trade association for credit unions, found that that support included nearly $25 million in donations and sponsorships, $1.3 million in scholarships and bursaries, more than $4.5 million in donations to charitable foundations, $3.4 million in financial services contributions to community organizations and also nearly $3.4 million in donations-in-kind.

Here in Manitoba, credit unions donated $2.6 million to community groups and organizations and also gave out $125,000 in scholarships and bursaries.

At the local level, North Winnipeg Credit Union showed its concern for our community by donating $13,800 in support dollars to a variety of community organizations and scholarship programs in 2010.